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BRIDGES FOR COMMUNITIES FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 31 DECEMBER 2023

Company Number 07245606 Charity Number 1137092

BRIDGES FOR COMMUNITIES

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

PERIOD ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Contents	Pages
Trustees’ Annual Report	1 - 5
Reference and Administrative Information	6
Independent Examiner’s Report	7
Statement of Financial Activities	8
Balance sheet	9
Notes to the financial statements	10 - 18

BRIDGES FOR COMMUNITIES

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT

PERIOD ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

The Trustees have pleasure in presenting their report and financial statements of the Charity for the seven-month period ended 31 December 2023, which complies with statutory requirements, the governing documents and the Statement of Recommended Practice, Accounting and Reporting by Charities (FRS102). The Trustees have changed their accounting year date from 31 May to 31 December.

Objects of the Charity

The charitable purposes of Bridges for Communities are:

(a) the promotion of equality and diversity, including but not by way of limitation through advancing education and raising awareness in equality and diversity, the promotion of activities to foster understanding between people from diverse backgrounds and cultivating a sentiment in favour of equality and diversity in such parts of the United Kingdom, the Middle East and the world as the Trustees from time to time may think fit;
(b) the promotion of racial and religious harmony, including but not by way of limitation through the promotion of knowledge and mutual understanding between different racial groups and beliefs and practices of different religious faiths and the advancement of education and raising awareness of the different racial groups and faiths in order to promote good relations between persons of different racial groups and different faiths in such parts of the United Kingdom, the Middle East and the world as the Trustees from time to time may think fit.

During the period from June to December 2023, Bridges for Communities has organised the following activities in line with the charitable purposes:

a) The promotion of equality and diversity

Befriending support provided through local volunteers to 41 of Bristol’s most vulnerable asylum seekers and for 32 refugee families from the Middle East and Afghanistan who have been resettled by Bristol City Council and the Home Office.
RefuLingua language courses in Arabic, Pashto, Dari, Somali and Farsi for 57 people, taught by 8 tutors from refugee and migrant backgrounds.
Stitching Together courses for 78 women from refugee backgrounds, providing the opportunity to learn or develop their sewing skills alongside local volunteers.
12 group walks organised for 467 asylum seekers and local volunteers as part of the Walk With Me project.
9 Bristol Welcome Events organised for 582 people, bringing together newly arrived refugee families and local volunteers, helping new arrivals to grow in their sense of belonging in the city.

b) The promotion of racial and religious harmony

3 Peace Feast events, enabling 210 people from diverse communities to share a meal together. These events included guest speakers on a range of topics and were organised in partnership with local community groups.

BRIDGES FOR COMMUNITIES

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT

PERIOD ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

School Linking connections for 15 schools, with 30 teachers trained and over 900 children from different backgrounds taking part.
A soft launch of the new Listening Spaces initiative during Inter Faith Week, with short videos produced and shared on social media featuring the faith stories and perspectives of people from the 7 largest faith groups in Bristol.
Cultural Awareness training for 92 new volunteers who provide one-to-one support for refugees and asylum seekers through Bridges for Communities, and for 70 people who are part of other voluntary organisations or welcome hubs in Bristol and Somerset.

Achievements and performance

This section assesses the charity’s performance against its objectives:

The trustees are satisfied that the activities outlined above represent good progress towards achieving the objectives of the charity, and also towards the strategic goals outlined in last year’s trustees report and in the Strategy for 2023-2025.

The scope and the impact of our work have seen steady growth compared to the previous year, with the notable addition of a new initiative called Listening Spaces.

In the area of promoting equality and diversity, efforts have focussed on welcoming people seeking sanctuary in Bristol from war and persecution, and on connecting them into local communities. This work has fostered compassion and empathy towards new arrivals at a time of political division over immigration, seeking to make Bristol a more welcoming and inclusive city so that equality is experienced by all and diversity is celebrated. The willingness and enthusiasm of significant numbers of Bristolians to volunteer their time and energy, and the feedback received from those being supported are indicators that this work has had some success.

In the area of promoting racial and religious harmony, efforts have focussed on connecting people from different backgrounds, inspiring them towards positive action and equipping them to live well together. The regular events and activities of Peace Feasts and Bristol School Linking were complimented by the addition of the new Listening Spaces initiative. 95% of participants at Peace Feasts said they had met someone new from a different culture or faith at the event, and feedback from other activities also showed that people for the activities to be ways to meet new people, grow in their understanding of one another, and be inspired towards action.

Bridges for Communities finishes the period in a satisfactory position financially, and able to continue its charitable activities thanks to the strength of the charity’s reserves and the ongoing support of its donors.

In all of the above, the trustees have had regard to the guidance from the Charity Commission regarding public benefit as it relates to the activities of the charity.

Financial review

The charity is grateful for donations and grants of £148,491 for the 7 months to 31 December 2023 (12 months to 31 May 2023: £142,443) and total fees generated by council contracts, training, and events of £51,190, for the 7 months to 31 December 2023 (12 months to 31 May 2023: £124,458).

BRIDGES FOR COMMUNITIES

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT

PERIOD ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

resulting in a surplus of £25,028 (May 2023: deficit of £13,705). Unrestricted reserves at the end of the period were £120,478 (May 2023: £111,263). The small deficit in the year to May 2023 was as a result of investing in the development of Bridges three-year strategy, increasing the Managing Director’s working hours to oversee expanding project delivery, spending down a surplus of School Linking funds, and an investment in a core Bridges project from our reserves. The surplus at 31 December, largely relates to corporate giving, which was recognised on receipt, before being designated toward specific project expenditure for the subsequent 12 month period. We were also fortunate to receive a £10k grant towards office and project delivery equipment. The £7K surplus in this fund will be depreciated over the coming three years.

Investment powers and policy

The constitution of Bridges for Communities authorises the Trustees to make and hold investments using the funds of the Charity.

Cash balances are currently held with Barclays Bank and CAF Shawbrook Bank.

Reserves policy

At the period end the charity held unrestricted reserves of £120,478 (May 2023: £111,263) and restricted reserves of £37,610 (May 2023: £21,796). Unrestricted, non-designated, reserves ("free reserves") were £38,671 (May 2023: £34,142) and account for approximately 8 months of reserves based on 2024 core budgeted expenditure (May 2023: 7 months), which the Trustees consider adequate at this stage of the charity's life. The Trustees' reserves policy states that the charity should hold a minimum of 6 months of free reserves (unrestricted, non-designated funds) based on the operating costs in the current budget. The 6 months reserves will include 3 months set aside for unplanned closure and 3 months reserves as a response fund, enabling us to respond at short notice to pressing needs among migrant and refugee communities where situations can develop rapidly.

Going concern

After making appropriate enquiries, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements.

Organisation

Bridges for Communities is a company limited by guarantee, number 07245606, as well as a registered charity, in which the company directors also form the Board of Trustees. The day to day running of the charity is delegated to the Managing Director. The liability of each Trustee in the event of a winding up is limited to £1.

Risk management

The systems of internal control are designed to provide reasonable, but not absolute, assurance against material misstatement or loss. They include:

(a) an annual budget approved by the Trustees,

(b) regular consideration by the Trustees of financial reports;

BRIDGES FOR COMMUNITIES

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT

PERIOD ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

(d) identification and management of risks.

The Trustees aim to review on a regular basis the main risks that the charity faces. They do this by updating the risk register, and by considering a range of potential risks including reputational damage, loss of key staff, loss of key funders and breach of the GDPR. They believe that maintaining appropriate reviews of the controls over key financial systems provides sufficient resources in the event of unexpected adverse conditions. The Trustees are pleased to confirm that the internal financial controls conform to guidelines issued by the Charity Commission.

Trustee recruitment and training

New trustees can be appointed when appropriate. Suitable candidates are recruited through our network of contacts and partnerships, and through the role being advertised on our website. Candidates are considered on the basis of their skills, experience and sympathy with the aims of the charity, and will go through an interview process. New trustees will have the opportunity of reviewing appropriate documents including the accounts as part of their induction process. The induction process will also involve the candidate receiving an induction pack and having the opportunity to observe a board meeting before their formal appointment to the board.

Plans for future periods

Bridges for Communities seeks to build on the achievements of the last period and continue to grow and improve as a charity.

Our strategic priorities for the 3-year period 2023-2025 are:

To improve the depth of our existing project work in Bristol.
To increase the reach of our work through impactful storytelling, listening spaces and helpful resources.
To invest in improving the diversity and equity of the organisation and strengthening management.
To improve the long-term sustainability of Bridges.

Our aims for the year ahead include:

Develop and grow our current training offer, reaching a wider audience and generating additional income for the charity.
Explore ways in which we can reach new audiences, especially in areas that are less diverse or have higher levels of intolerance.
Identify ways in which we can be more inclusive and equitable as an organisation.
Implement the improved system for monitoring and evaluating outcomes of our work that we developed last year.

BRIDGES FOR COMMUNITIES

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT

PERIOD ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Statement of trustees’ responsibilities

The Trustees (who are also directors of Bridges for Communities for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Report (incorporating the directors’ report) and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102: The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Accepted Accounting Practice).

Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the income and expenditure of the charitable company for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:

select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charitable company will continue in business.

The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

42 Carrington Road Bristol. BS3 2AG.

Sep 17 2024

Signed by order of the Trustees on …………………..

==> picture [106 x 35] intentionally omitted <==

Rev O R Lynch Chair of the Trustees

BRIDGES FOR COMMUNITIES

REFERENCE & ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

PERIOD ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Status

The Charity is governed by its Articles of Association. It was incorporated as a company limited by guarantee, number 7245606, on 6 May, 2010 and was registered with the Charity Commission in England & Wales, number 1137092 on 27 July 2010.

Trustees

The Trustees who are directors for the purpose of company law and who served during the year are:

Rev O R Lynch (Chair) Mr J J Kay Mr D J Gregory Mrs L Briggs Mrs R Bennett Mrs A Mustafa

Registered Office

42 Carrington Road Bristol BS3 2AG

Independent Examiner

Joshua Kingston BSc. ACA Burton Sweet Limited The Clock Tower 5 Farleigh Court Old Weston Road Flax Bourton Bristol BS48 1UR

Bankers

Barclays Bank plc Leicester LE87 2BB

Shawbrook Bank Brentwood CM13 3BE

BRIDGES FOR COMMUNITIES

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT

PERIOD ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Company for the period ended 31 December 2023.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity’s trustees of the Company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (‘the 2006 Act’).

Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your charity’s accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the 2011 Act’). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5) (b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent examiner’s statement

I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, which is one of the listed bodies.

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe:

accounting records were not kept in respect of the Company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or
the accounts do not accord with those records; or
the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or
the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Joshua Kingston BSc. ACA Burton Sweet Limited The Clock Tower 5 Farleigh Court Old Weston Road Flax Bourton Sep 17 2024 Bristol BS48 1UR Date: ………………………..

BRIDGES FOR COMMUNITIES

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT)

PERIOD ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Note Income from: Donations and legacies 2 Charitable activities 3 Investment income Total income Expenditure on: Raising funds 4 Charitable activities 5 Total expenditure Net income/(expenditure) 6 Transfers between funds 13 Net movement in funds Total funds at 1 June 2023 13 Total funds at 31 December 2023 13	Total Funds At Total Funds At Unrestricted Restricted End Of The Period Start Of The Period Funds Funds 31 December 2023 31 May 2023 £ £ £ £ 66,029 82,462 148,491 142,443 48,304 2,886 51,190 124,458 403 - 403 166
	114,736 85,348 200,084 267,067
	5,210 3,665 8,875 14,491 95,312 70,869 166,181 266,281
	100,522 74,534 175,056 280,772
	14,214 10,814 25,028 (13,705) (5,000) 5,000 - -
	9,214 15,814 25,028 (13,705) 111,263 21,796 133,059 146,764
	120,477 37,610 158,087 133,059

The Charity has no recognised gains or losses other than the results for the period as set out above.

All of the activities of the charitable company are classed as continuing.

See note 9 for comparative Statement of Financial Activities.

The notes on pages 10 to 18 form part of these financial statements

Company Registration Number 07245606

BRIDGES FOR COMMUNITIES

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2023

Note Fixed assets Tangible assets 10 Current assets Debtors 11 Cash at bank Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 12 Net current assets Net assets Income funds Unrestricted funds General funds 14 Designated funds 14 Restricted funds 14 Total funds	31 December 2023 £ 7,264 34,854 138,926 173,780 (22,957) 150,823 158,087 45,935 74,543 37,610 158,087	31 May 2023 £ 2,207 14,026 152,222
		166,248 (35,396)
		130,852
		133,059
		36,349 74,914 21,796
		133,059

For the period ended 31 December 2023 the company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its accounts for the year in question in accordance with section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its accounts for the period in question in accordance with section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011.

The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts.

These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act applicable to small companies subject to the small companies regime and in accordance with FRS102 SORP.

Sep 17 2024

These financial statements were approved by the trustees on …....................... and are signed on their behalf by:

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Rev O R Lynch (Chair of Trustees)

The notes on pages 10 to 18 form part of these financial statements

BRIDGES FOR COMMUNITIES

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

PERIOD ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

1 Accounting policies

a) The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the historical cost convention in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) issued in October 2019 and the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006 and UK Generally Accepted Practice as it applies from 1 January 2019.

The charity meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS102.

The accounts have been prepared on the going concern basis as discussed in the Trustee's Annual Report. The Trustees know of no material reason why this should not be appropriate.

b) Income is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the item(s) of income have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.

Income from donations is included in income when it is receivable, except as follows:

I. When donors specify that donations given to the Charity must be used in future accounting periods, the income is deferred until those periods;
II. When donors impose conditions which have to be fulfilled before the Charity becomes entitled to

use such income, the income is deferred until the pre-conditions have been met.

c) Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to that activity exclusive of recoverable VAT. Irrecoverable VAT is charged as a cost against the activity for which the expenditure was incurred.

Governance costs comprise the costs involving the public accountability of the charity and its compliance with regulation and good practice. These costs are included within support costs.

d) The charity contributes to defined contribution pension schemes. Contributions payable to the charity's pension schemes are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period to which they relate.
e) Depreciation is calculated so as to write off the cost of an asset, less its estimated residual value, over the useful life of that asset as follows:

Office equipment - 25% - 33% p.a. on cost

f) Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts.
g) Cash at bank and cash in hand includes cash and short term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.
h) Creditors and provisions are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade di d
i) Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objects at the discretion of the trustees.
j) Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the Charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.
k) Designated funds are funds set aside by the Trustees out of unrestricted funds for specific purposes or projects.

BRIDGES FOR COMMUNITIES

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

PERIOD ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

2 Donations and legacies

Donations Grants receivable Prior year comparatives Donations Grants receivable 3 Income from Charitable Activities Current period Funding for Resettlement project Language courses Tickets for Peace Feasts Training of volunteers Fundraising events Prior year Funding for Resettlement project Language courses Tickets for Peace Feasts Training of volunteers	Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds Funds Funds 31 December 2023 £ £ £ 35,629 30,644 66,273 30,400 51,818 82,218
	66,029 82,462 148,491
	Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds Funds Funds 31 May 2023 £ £ £ 40,581 6,429 47,010 12,700 82,733 95,433
	53,281 89,162 142,443
	Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds Funds Funds 31 December 2023 £ £ £ 43,500 - 43,500 - - - 1,618 - 1,618 1,200 2,886 4,086 1,986 - 1,986
	48,304 2,886 51,190
	Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds Funds Funds 31 May 2023 £ £ £ 111,701 - 111,701 4,885 - 4,885 4,122 - 4,122 3,750 - 3,750
	124,458 - 124,458

During the period, the charity received a total of £43,500 (May 2023: £155,451) from government, in the form of grants and contract income.

BRIDGES FOR COMMUNITIES

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

PERIOD ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

4 Expenditure on Raising Funds

Current Period Training and events Bank and online payment charges Wages and salaries Pension costs Prior year Training and events Bank and online payment charges Wages and salaries Pension costs	Unrestricted Restricted Total funds Funds Funds 31 December 2023 £ £ £ - - - 983 14 997 3,948 3,651 7,599 279 - 279
	5,210 3,665 8,875
	Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds Funds Funds 31 May 2023 £ £ £ 1,508 23 1,531 192 48 240 5,717 6,752 12,469 251 - 251
	7,668 6,823 14,491

5 Expenditure on Charitable Activities

Direct costs Staff training Travel Subsistence Hospitality Volunteer expenses Materials Training and events Telephone Professional fees Venue costs Film production costs Wages and salaries National insurance Pension costs Charity Contribution	7 Months To 12 Months To 31 December 2023 31 May 2023 £ £ 785 1,979 11,538 14,902 49 365 1,522 3,576 2,872 4,700 5,275 3,471 6,001 20,089 665 1,656 2,352 13,366 2,723 3,068 - 577 95,605 144,633 2,534 4,024 3,536 5,016 100 -
	135,557 221,422

BRIDGES FOR COMMUNITIES

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

PERIOD ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

5 Expenditure on Charitable Activities (continued)

Support costs Bank and online payment charges Office expenses Website & IT Printing, postage & stationary Insurance Governance costs Consultancy fees Office rent Wages and salaries National insurance Pension cost Depreciation Total expenditure on charitable activities	7 Months To 12 Months To 31 December 2023 31 May 2023 £ £ 14 25 2,409 2,430 952 1,845 346 497 960 1,227 1,695 1,551 3,122 4,718 2,845 3,972 15,540 25,073 211 496 1,035 1,572 1,495 1,453
	30,624 44,859
	166,181 266,281

6 Net income for the year is stated after charging:

		7 Months To	12 Months To	12 Months To
		31 December 2023	31 May	2023
		£	£
Depreciation		1,495		1,453
Independent examiner's fee	Independent examination	1,014		869
	Accounts preparation	681		681

7 Staff costs and numbers

The aggregate payroll costs were:

Wages and salaries Social security costs Employer's pension costs	7 Months To 12 Months To 31 December 2023 31 May 2023 £ £ 118,244 181,523 3,024 4,771 5,072 7,241
	126,340 193,535

BRIDGES FOR COMMUNITIES

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

PERIOD ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

7 Staff costs and numbers (continued)

No employee received emoluments of more than £60,000.

No trustees have been remunerated or reimbursed for their out of pocket travel expenses (May 2023: Nil)

The key management personnel comprise the Trustees and the Managing Director. The aggregate remuneration received by key management personnel during the seven month period was £16,002 (12 months to May 2023: £28,570)

The average weekly number of employees based on average headcount during the period was as follows:

		7 Months To	12 Months To
	31	December 2023	31 May 2023
		No.	No.
Administration		24	21

This represents 14 part time members of staff working the equivalent number of hours of 6.7 (2023: 6.7) full-time staff, and 10 language tutors who are casual workers.

8 Taxation

The Charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities.

9 Comparative Statement of Financial Activities

Income from: Donations and legacies Charitable activities Investment income Total income Expenditure on: Raising funds Charitable activities Total expenditure Net income/(expenditure) Transfers between funds Net movement in funds Total funds at 1 June 2022 Total funds at 31 May 2023	Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds Funds Funds 31 May 2023 £ £ £ 53,281 89,162 142,443 124,458 - 124,458 166 - 166
	177,905 89,162 267,067
	7,668 6,823 14,491 182,754 83,527 266,281
	190,422 90,350 280,772
	(12,517) (1,188) (13,705) 53,368 (53,368) -
	40,851 (54,556) (13,705) 70,412 76,352 146,764
	111,263 21,796 133,059

BRIDGES FOR COMMUNITIES

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

PERIOD ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

10 Tangible fixed assets

Office Equipment £ 7,125 6,552	31 December 2023 £ 29,160 2,152 3,542	Total £ 7,125 6,552
13,677		13,677
4,918 1,495		4,918 1,495
6,413		6,413
7,264		7,264
2,207		2,207
		31 May 2023 £ 1,282 10,305 2,439
	34,854	14,026
	7 Months To 31 December 2023 £ 1,289 8,251 1,500 11,917	12 Months To 31 May 2023 £ 2,941 1,426 1,604 29,425
	22,957	35,396

11 Debtors

12 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

BRIDGES FOR COMMUNITIES

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

PERIOD ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

12 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year (continued)

						7 Months To	12 Months To
	Deferred income (included in Accruals		and deferred income)			31 December	31 May
						2023	2023
						£	£
	Deferred income at start of year					26,041	19,745
	Amounts released from previous years					(26,041)	(12,245)
	Resources deferred during the year					10,222	18,541
						10,222	26,041
13	Movement in funds
		1	June				31 December
		2023		Income	Expenditure	Transfers	2023
	Period ended 31 December 2023		£	£	£	£	£
	Unrestricted funds
	General funds	36,349		54,184	(39,598)	(5,000)	45,935
	Designated funds
	Peace Feast		5,049	5,393	(9,044)	-	1,398
	Refugee Social		2,008	1,000	(3,008)	-	-
	Resettlement fund	63,123		43,860	(45,726)	-	61,257
	RefuLingua		4,734	-	-	-	4,734
	Training Resources		-	10,300	(3,146)	-	7,154
		74,914		60,552	(60,923)	-	74,543
	Total unrestricted funds	111,263		114,736	(100,522)	(5,000)	120,478
	Restricted funds
	Befriend Project		5,183	12,556	(15,627)	-	2,112
	RefuLingua		-	18,671	(16,066)	-	2,604
	Strategic Plan		625	10,000	(3,623)	-	7,002
	School Linking	11,474		5,083	(6,617)	-	9,940
	Sharing Festivals		1,541	-	(277)	-	1,264
	Stitching Together		3,464	13,782	(13,573)	-	3,673
	Walk With Me		(491)	19,006	(13,991)	-	4,524
	Listening Spaces		-	6,250	(4,760)	5,000	6,490
		21,796		85,348	(74,534)	5,000	37,610
	Total funds	133,059		200,084	(175,055)	-	158,087

BRIDGES FOR COMMUNITIES

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

PERIOD ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

13 Movement in funds (continued)

Year ended 31 May 2023 Unrestricted funds General funds Designated funds Peace Feast Refugee Social RefuLingua Resettlement fund Befriend Project School Linking Total unrestricted funds Restricted funds Befriend Project Refugee Social RefuLingua Peace Feast Strategic Plan School Linking Sharing Festivals Stitching Together Walk With Me Resettlement fund Total funds	1 June 31 May 2022 Income Expenditure Transfers 2023 £ £ £ £ £ 42,987 56,333 (62,971) - 36,349 4,168 4,423 (7,637) 4,095 5,049 2,998 563 (1,553) - 2,008 11,916 4,885 (16,315) 4,248 4,734 - 111,701 (101,946) 53,368 63,123 7,095 - - (7,095) - 1,248 - - (1,248) -
	27,425 121,572 (127,451) 53,368 74,914 70,412 177,905 (190,422) 53,368 111,263 2,943 26,766 (24,526) - 5,183 - 500 (500) - - - 2,500 (2,500) - - - 7,250 (7,250) - - 5,000 - (4,375) - 625 15,041 4,295 (7,862) - 11,474 - 14,000 (12,459) - 1,541 - 20,446 (16,982) - 3,464 - 13,405 (13,896) - (491) 53,368 - - (53,368) -
	76,352 59,396 (62,824) (53,368) 21,796
	146,764 237,301 (253,246) - 133,059

Designated funds

The trustees have designated funds for individual projects to ensure that they can continue. Further information on these funds can be found within restricted funds descriptions below.

The Resettlement fund provides support for families who have been resettled in Bristol by the City Council.

Restricted funds

The Befriend project provides one-to-one support for asylum seekers and refugees.

The Refugee Social project organises social activities where refugees and asylum seekers can enjoy themselves and spend time getting to know people.

The RefuLingua project enables people from refugee and migrant backgrounds to gain work experience and employment through teaching their native language.

The Peace Feasts project organises events where people from different backgrounds can share a meal together, in order to promote friendship and social cohesion.

The Strategic Plan and Technology Development fund includes a grant received to help with the costs of the charity's 5-year strategic plan. We received a generous £10,000 capital grant from the Clothworkers Foundation, allowing us to purchase new audio, visual and IT equipment for efficient, safe and connected working.

BRIDGES FOR COMMUNITIES

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

PERIOD ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

13 Movement in funds (continued)

The School Linking project connects classrooms in different parts of Bristol for conversations around identity, community, equality and diversity.

The Sharing Festivals Project aims to build understanding of different cultures and faiths by sharing religious festivals. The Grand Iftar on College Green was funded by Bristol City Council and the West of England Combined Authority's Love our High Streets Project, with additional support from Feeding Bristol and community partners.

The Stitching Together project provides welcoming spaces for refugee and asylum seeking women to be creative, while gaining confidence and making friends.

The Walk With Me project provides one-to one and group walks to connect refugees and asylum seekers into local communities and improve wellbeing.

The Listening Spaces Project facilities intentional listening and dialogue between people of different cultures, races, faiths, social class and political opinion, in order to build understanding and be better equipped to live well together.

14 Analysis of net assets

Period ended 31 December 2023 Tangible fixed assets Net current assets Year ended 31 May 2023 Tangible fixed assets Net current assets	General Designated Restricted Total 2023 £ £ £ £ 7,264 - - 7,264 38,671 74,543 37,610 150,823 Unrestricted
	45,935 74,543 37,610 158,087
	General Designated Restricted Funds Funds Funds Total 2023 £ £ £ £ 2,207 - - 2,207 34,142 74,914 21,796 130,852 Unrestricted
	36,349 74,914 21,796 133,059

15 Company limited by guarantee

The charity is a company limited by guarantee having no share capital. Every member is liable to contribute £1 towards the costs of dissolution and the liabilities incurred by the charity in the event of the charity being wound up.

16 Related party transactions

Owen Lynch is a trustee of both Bridges for Communities and Severn Vineyard Church. During the period, unrestricted grant income of £Nil (May 2023: £2,000) was received from Severn Vineyard Church. No balances were due to or from Severn Vineyard Church at the year end.

The total amount of donations received without conditions from trustees and related parties during the period was £2,240 (May 2023: £5,323).

No payments were made to trustees for reimbursement of expenses in either the current period, or prior year.

2023-12-31-accounts

BRIDGES FOR COMMUNITIES FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 31 DECEMBER 2023

BRIDGES FOR COMMUNITIES

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

PERIOD ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

BRIDGES FOR COMMUNITIES

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT

PERIOD ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Objects of the Charity

a) The promotion of equality and diversity

b) The promotion of racial and religious harmony

BRIDGES FOR COMMUNITIES

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT

PERIOD ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Achievements and performance

Financial review

BRIDGES FOR COMMUNITIES

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT

PERIOD ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Investment powers and policy

Reserves policy

Going concern

Organisation

Risk management

BRIDGES FOR COMMUNITIES

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT

PERIOD ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

(d) identification and management of risks.

Trustee recruitment and training

Plans for future periods

BRIDGES FOR COMMUNITIES

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT

PERIOD ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Statement of trustees’ responsibilities

BRIDGES FOR COMMUNITIES

REFERENCE & ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

PERIOD ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Status

Trustees

Registered Office

Independent Examiner

Bankers

BRIDGES FOR COMMUNITIES

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT

PERIOD ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Responsibilities and basis of report

Independent examiner’s statement

BRIDGES FOR COMMUNITIES

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT)

PERIOD ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

BRIDGES FOR COMMUNITIES

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2023

Sep 17 2024

BRIDGES FOR COMMUNITIES

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

PERIOD ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

1 Accounting policies

BRIDGES FOR COMMUNITIES

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

PERIOD ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

2 Donations and legacies

BRIDGES FOR COMMUNITIES

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

PERIOD ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

4 Expenditure on Raising Funds

5 Expenditure on Charitable Activities

BRIDGES FOR COMMUNITIES

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

PERIOD ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

5 Expenditure on Charitable Activities (continued)

6 Net income for the year is stated after charging:

7 Staff costs and numbers

BRIDGES FOR COMMUNITIES

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

PERIOD ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

7 Staff costs and numbers (continued)

8 Taxation

9 Comparative Statement of Financial Activities

BRIDGES FOR COMMUNITIES